Census: More children call a grandparent's house home

Census data reveal a surprising growth spurt in the lives of U.S. kids
By JEANNIE KEVER
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
June 30, 2011

There's plenty of energy at Dorothy Martin's house these days — three grandchildren ages 6 and younger make sure of that - but she doesn't put up with chaos.

"I'm old school," Martin said about raising three of her grandchildren. "I do know you have to change, but I believe in discipline, in having kids be kids. Everything has to be consistent."

That has been her goal since taking in granddaughters Ji'Bri Brown-Martin, now 6, and Che'Lyse Brown-Martin, 5, in 2008. Another granddaughter, 2-year-old Na'Rya Brown, joined the household soon after she was born.

New statistics released Wednesday by the U.S. Census Bureau show that Martin and her grandchildren have plenty of company. the rest